If you must travel somewhere outside of the United States and expect to be requiring the need to return, you will need to apply for the right documents. Sometimes, travel plans sneak up on travelers and there is only a limited amount of time that the traveler may have to prepare. If you must get documents fast, then you may want to know ways to use the expedited pasport services. There are many reasons to provide that the office of consular affairs will permit you to submit a speedy application.
Planning
Applying for travel documentation can take a long time if simply using the routine service. Processing times for new applications can take at least four to six weeks from the date that the agency receives an application. If travel plans come up in a shorter time span, you will benefit from utilizing the expedited service that is available to you.
Processing Time
The expedited service is a great way to get the documents that you need right when you need them and is much faster than the regular processing times. It may take two to three weeks on average from the time that the application reached the agency. If you use overnight delivery, you can be sure that the agency will start processing right away. You can get expedited service for a U.S. passport card as well.
Agencies
If waiting two or three weeks is not acceptable for you, then you probably need the passport sooner. To get the documents that you need in only fourteen days, you can go directly to the agency to apply instead of waiting for the mail. You will need to call to schedule the appointment before you go in so that you will be helped immediately. Utilize the internet to find locations near you to make things easier for you.
Dire Circumstances
There are times when even waiting fourteen days to travel is not acceptable, but thankfully there are other options available to you still. If you or a loved one are experiencing an emergency that is considered life or death and you need to leave right away, you may be able to get the help you need. Let the office that you need to travel within a few days.
Application Process
When it comes to life or death problems that need to be tended to overseas, the applicant must go into the agency office to fill out their application. Once accepted, the applicant will be allowed to depart in between twenty four hours and forty eight hours. You will need to bring documents that prove there is an emergency happening.
Cost
Receiving expedited processing times comes at a cost. On top of the standard application fees, there are additional costs to be considered with speeding up your application. There is an additional sixty dollars per application required in order to process more quickly. The bureau requests that applicants purchase two-way overnight delivery so that the mail service will not slow down the application period. Planning ahead can help ease some of these costs,so try to apply early if possible.